CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, Hall of Famer Tony Stewart is coming out of NASCAR retirement. The three-time Cup Series champion will get behind the wheel for Kaulig Racing at next month’s season-opener at Daytona International Raceway, marking the official return of Ram Trucks to NASCAR competition.
The announcement marks Stewart’s first appearance in a NASCAR national series since 2016. While “Smoke” has remained active in the NHRA drag racing circuit driving for Dodge, his return to the high banks of Daytona represents a significant homecoming for one of the sport’s most versatile icons.
A Legacy Reborn in a Ram
Despite his legendary status, Stewart noted that this start will be a career first. “I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,” Stewart said during Tuesday’s announcement. “So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.”
The partnership is a strategic alignment between Stewart’s current ties to Stellantis (Ram’s parent company) and Kaulig Racing’s expansion. Ram is re-entering the sport with a high-profile “Free Agent Program,” designed to rotate veteran legends and rising stars through a competitive seat.
The 2026 Ram Truck Lineup
Kaulig Racing will serve as the anchor factory team for Ram, fielding five trucks for the 2026 season. The roster combines established talent with a unique reality-TV twist:
| Driver | Role |
| Tony Stewart | First “Free Agent” Entry (Daytona) |
| Justin Haley | Full-Time Driver |
| Daniel Dye | Full-Time Driver |
| Brenden “Butterbean” Queen | Full-Time Driver |
| To Be Determined | Winner of “Race For The Seat” Reality Show |
“We’re not just returning to the track, we’re rewriting the playbook,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands at Stellantis. “Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing.”
Kaulig’s Rapid Expansion
Since its inception in 2016, Kaulig Racing has transitioned from an Xfinity Series powerhouse to a major player in the Cup and Truck tiers. After securing 27 Xfinity wins and two Cup Series victories since 2021, the team is now the face of Ram’s factory efforts.
“Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about,” said team owner Matt Kaulig. “He’s a legend—his name alone brings energy to the sport.”
Looking at the Stats
Stewart’s resume is arguably the most diverse in American racing history. His return to the Truck Series—where he has two wins in just six starts—is a nod to a legacy that includes:
- 3 NASCAR Cup Series Championships (2005, 2008, 2011)
- 1 IndyCar Championship (1997)
- Triple Crown: The only driver to win all three USAC National championships in a single year (1995).
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if the 54-year-old veteran can still handle the draft at Daytona. The green flag drops next month, kicking off what promises to be the most talked-about Truck Series season in decades.
